RI, S'pore sign deal on economic zones Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Batam Indonesia plans to transform three major islands in Riau Islands province into special economic zones (SEZs) in a bid to draw much-needed direct foreign investment. With the assistance of neighboring Singapore, the development of Batam, Bintan and Karimun islands as special economic zones is hoped to turn them into centers of growth, with multiplier and spillover effects for the economies of both countries.

BKPM defends validity of its foreign investment data The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has defended the validity of its data on realized foreign investment, saying the figure is based on the total spending on implementation of foreign investment projects.

Singapore to help Jakarta build special zones to attract investors Batam, Indonesia (ANTARA News) - Marked by the signing of an agreement, Indonesia invited Singapore on Sunday to help Jakarta establish special economic zones on three islands to lure foreign investors, particularly from Japan and the Middle East.